Senate to vote on vets’ health care

WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress is moving with what one senator called “lightning speed” to help thousands of military veterans enduring long wait times for VA medical care.

The Senate was poised to vote by Thursday on a measure making it easier for veterans who have encountered delays getting initial visits to receive VA-paid treatment from local doctors instead.

The measure closely resembles legislation approved unanimously Tuesday in the House, prompting optimism among lawmakers from both parties that a compromise version could be on its way soon to President Barack Obama for his signature.